Armada is a Dutch breeder, propagator and seller of a wide range of flowers and plants. This relatively young business is continually growing: slowly but surely their own breeding becomes profitable at a time when horticulture seems to be climbing out of its dip.
Mark Boeder in the show glasshouse, photographed during the FlowerTrials
Mark Boeder is responsible for the breeding at Armada and says: "Putting a new type on the market, can take up to four or five years. When we began, seven years ago, the market was difficult and we began with a few aster varieties and chysanthemum pots, for which we bought the rights to cultivate them. From the beginning, we have invested a lot in the development of our own, new varieties. The combination of slightly better perspectives in floriculture in general and the fact that own varieties are finding their way more and more to the grower, is the reason why we are currently growing, not only in the Netherlands, but also abroad."
In addition to their own breeding and propagating, Armada also supports other breeders in the marketing of their products. Mostly, it is the case that a breeder contacts us to bring a particular variety under the attention of growers. This is a service that we can offer. "We work with our own people and a network of agents that is spread over the world in all the important flower areas. In this way, the breeder can concentrate on his product, while we look after the worldwide income from royalties."
Market
Armada is growing strongly in the cut chrysanthemum and santini segment. In addition, business is good in the pot chrysanthemum. On the other hand, there is a slight decline in the demand for asters, but this is an ongoing trend for years. The decline is in fact less than previously and in some countries, the demand is even increasing. Asters and chrysanthemums are delivered year round, just like spray chrysanthemums and multifloras for regular cultivation. Propagation and rooting from cuttings has also always been an important activity for Armada. "In addition to the profits, it is an important way to keep in contact with clients and support them with the introduction of novelties," says Boeder.
FlowerTrials
Last month, the business took part in the FlowerTrials and presented their newest varieties. There were a few new varieties introduced and an important part of the cut flower range, consisting of asters, cluster chrysanthemums, santinis and spray chrysanthemums, was blooming in full glory in the show glasshouse. "The most important introduction for this year is perhaps the black heart. We have managed to cross the black heart into the santinis, cluster chrysanthemums and the pico chrysanthemum pots. This is currently trending and we are expecting a lot from this."
The 'Black Betty'
For more information:
Armada Young Plants
Mark Boeder
Noordlierweg 18b
2678 LV De Lier
M: +31 (0)6 10527037
E: m.boeder@armadayoungplants.nl
www.armadayoungplants.nl